Tripped circuit breakers are irritating and stressful, particularly if it seems like the furnace is the source. If your breaker gets thrown once and usual performance returns after you reset it, there is no immediate cause for concern. In this instance, an unforeseen power surge is typically the source.
However, you can’t avoid the issue if the breaker trips over and over. This may happen with both electric and gas furnaces. After all, even gas-fired furnaces rely on electricity to power the blower motor and other parts. Before you schedule furnace repair, consider the most likely reasons your furnace would be throwing the circuit breaker and how you can avoid it.
1. Overworked Furnace
Does your furnace run for a brief time before tripping the breaker? This can imply limited airflow. A dirty filter or closed air vents require your furnace to work harder. The increased electrical draw can overheat the system, strain the circuit andtrip the breaker. Try these tips to restore normal airflow and fix the problem:
- Swap out the air filter.
- Open all air registers and ensure none are restricted by furniture, curtains or rugs.
- Don’t place anything against the furnace or otherwise restrict airflow into it.
2. Overworked Circuit
HVAC equipment does best on its own circuit, but this may not be the case in older houses. Find the labels on your electrical panel to determine if another appliance shares a circuit with your furnace. As a brief resolution, you can unplug the secondary item or avoid using it while the furnace is in use. A safer, more permanent solution is to have an electrician install an individual circuit for your HVAC system.
3. Short Circuit or Ground Fault
Does your furnace trip the circuit breaker as soon as it starts? This could be a result of an electrical malfunction in the furnace. An exposed wire could be shorting out the circuit when it touches a neutral wire or creates a ground fault if it meets a grounded wire or metal object. Either of these issues can affect the electrical draw enough to trip the circuit. You’ll do best with an HVAC professional like Rob's Albertan Service Experts to uncover and resolve the problem.
4. Electrical Panel Trouble
If you eliminate any malfunctions with your furnace, the electrical panel could be to blame. Shaky connections or malfunctioning breakers could lead to irregular performance. If you have an older home, you may need to have the panel replaced if it’s too old, damaged or poorly installed. In this case, you need the expertise of an electrician.
Your furnace could continue tripping the circuit breaker regardless of your efforts to remove the issue on your own. If this happens, leave the furnace off and contact Rob's Albertan Service Experts for help. Our HVAC Experts can help you diagnose the issue and advise the necessary repair. We’re confident in our service, so we stand behind it with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for a year.* For more info about us, or to schedule furnace repair, give us a call at 780-800-9047 now.
*Not applicable to the Advantage Program. See your signed Advantage Program Agreement for full details and exclusions. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee is subject to certain restrictions and limitations as set forth in the applicable Terms and Conditions.